THE Rev Alex Cleophane, a self-supporting Minister at St Michael’s church, Flixton, does more than preach sermons.

The 66-year-old retired business development officer in the building trade, is a talented artist.

He is holding a free exhibition of his work at St Michael’s from 6pm to 9pm on Friday, July 18, and from11am to 2pm the following day, during the village fete.

The exhibitions are part of Flixton Folk Festival.

Alex specialises in angled drawings but also paints animals and birds in vivid colours.

He said: “Thanks to a wonderful teacher at Stretford Grammar School I learned to love technical drawing.

“ I find sketching in straight lines easy and enjoy getting the perspective right."

Among more than 50 works were intricate images of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and, nearer home, the Bird in Hand pub. All were in black and white with touches of colour.

“My technique is to replace a small part of a building with trees which add contrast,” he said.

St. Michael’s church features prominently.

Alex had not only sketched it but also created colourful reproductions of its stained glass windows.

He said: “I like to take photographs of my subject, and do them at my leisure although, on holiday, I use a sketch pad.

His sketch pad has been busy in Provence, his favourite holiday place, where once an accident forced him to stay for six weeks.

“The idea of the folk festival, encouraged by St Michael’s, is to celebrate the arts in the area,” he said.

* For information about Flixton Folk Festival, see flixtonfolkfestival.co.uk.